Organisers of a supposedly major protest outside Parliament to express their anger at a High Court ruling on Brexit appear to have been disappointed after only a small number of people turned up.
A range of pro-Brexit groups had invited around 15,000 people to the event, with almost 2,000 confirming they were planning to attend.
However, it appears fewer than 100 demonstrators showed up.
The protest was timed to coincide with Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Autumn Statement, with organisers claiming “the world’s media will be covering the event, giving the 52% [who voted for Brexit] maximum exposure to make their voices heard”.
Despite the lower-than-expected turnout, those who were there waved Union Jack flags and placards saying “Keep calm and accept our vote” and “Respect the people’s voice”, along with banners reading “Traitors to democracy”.
Others people carried signs reading “May, May, don’t delay, we want Brexit straight away”.
It comes weeks after the High Court ruled that Parliament must be given a say on Brexit. A legal case brought by campaigners including Gina Miller, an investment manager, successfully argued that Theresa May should not be able to trigger Article 50 – the process by which Britain will leave the EU – without a vote of Parliament.
The decision led Brexit supporters to organise protests in several UK cities.
The organisers said: “It’s time for all Brexiteers to come together once more and stand up for our democracy.
“This protest is to remind our judges and MPs of how passionately we feel about our democracy, and to let them know that we will not remain silent while privileged establishment figures attempt to change, dilute and disrespect what the people voted for to suit their own agendas."
The event was organised by a range of groups including The People’s Charter, Brexit Feet, Young Britons for Liberty and Brexit Revolution. Similar events were due to take place across the UK.
Speaking at the protest outside Parliament, Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg MP said: “As the great Boris Johnson might say, we came, we saw, we conquered. We have to make sure it is continued until the end and that we leave as soon as soon.
He thanked the demonstrators “for the terrific work you do representing the mass of the British people who want to take back control of our country”.
“It is a great time to be British. The future for our country is fantastic and will lead a golden economic age. As the Americans would say, God bless the United Kingdom”.
The rally was also addressed by David Davies, the Conservative MP who caused controversy last month by suggesting refugees entering the UK should be subjected to dental checks to confirm their age, and former Ukip leadership candidate Liz Jones.
Another demonstration is being planned for 4 December.
